**Chapter 121: Visiting the Film Crew**

Solemn, deep, and authoritative, the tone carried a hint of doubt in its drawn-out final note, causing the air to freeze for a moment.

However.

No one expected that Anson would face Gary's gaze with a calm expression, confidently and boldly giving a straightforward response.

"Yes, sir."

Short and effective.

No excuses, no additional explanations—just an admission.

But such frankness, rare in Hollywood, conveyed an honesty that made it difficult for Gary to keep a straight face; a slight smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"If you mess it up, it's your responsibility," he said, his words still layered with meaning.

Anson nodded, "And if it succeeds?"

Then it would be Anson's achievement.

This is the risk—one must bear the consequences of both success and failure.

Gary could hear the deeper meaning in Anson's words, and a smile reached his eyes. "You really are still young, fearless of anything. Ah, youth is wonderful."

Anson, however, was not so young.

In truth, his mindset was old, having endured countless trials and hardships; yet, living a second life, he wanted to seize every moment and not wait until life was nearly over to start truly enjoying it.

Even if he was hesitant or afraid, Anson was actively trying new things.

What if he failed?

So what? At least he would have tried.

But Gary didn't need to know those details.

Gary looked at Anson, who was showing a sunny smile, and brought his thoughts back to the present. "So, do you already have an idea? About the original music for the band?"

Anson let out a long breath. "I've already boasted about it, so even if I don't have an idea, I'll have to come up with something; otherwise, it would be embarrassing."

Saying this while looking hesitant, he made Gary burst into hearty laughter, giving Anson a firm pat on the back. "I'll be watching with great interest."

Obviously, composing music isn't easy, but he had some ideas.

In his previous life, in his youth, he had dreamed of standing on stage and touching hearts with his music. He had also dreamed of living as a wandering musician, carrying a guitar and traveling the world, playing melodies on street corners and singing about life, letting his music become part of others' journeys.

However, he couldn't stick to it. The heavy burdens of life weighed down on his shoulders, and his bright and brilliant dreams were soon buried under the daily grind, covered with a thick layer of dust, never to see the light again. His youthful fantasies were never revived.

Maybe, he could give his dream another chance—

After all, Gary had said that the music of a teenage garage band could be good or bad; it wasn't the focus of the movie. It was just an extension of Anson's research on music and books, merely a part of his character.

Unpleasant. Noisy. Hypnotic.

These were also the unique charms of Michael's eccentricity.

So, Anson could freely and boldly experiment.

Even if he failed, he should seize the opportunity to fully enjoy the present and not waste his second chance at life.

Thus.

On the bus back to the Fairmont Resort with the film crew, Anson was deep in thought.

**Michael's Preference**

Michael's favorite genres were blues rock and British rock, including but not limited to The Beatles and The Beach Boys. While researching the character, Anson seriously listened to a vast array of music from the 1960s and 1970s, not just those bands but also the emerging genres of psychedelic rock, progressive rock, experimental rock, and others.

Interestingly, garage rock was born in the 1960s.

Back then, rock music swept the globe, and countless high school students began practicing with their bands in their garages, leading to the term "garage rock." Their music was simple and raw, often depicting high school life or societal issues, and served as a way to express their emotions.

Garage rock can be seen as a precursor to punk rock.

On the other hand, the 1990s presented a different scene.

Grunge, Britpop, and pop-punk dominated the market, each representing different styles, genres, and definitions, once again reigniting a rock craze.

So, for Michael, practicing with his band in the garage, would he choose rock from the 1960s, or would he keep up with the times and go for 1990s rock?

Anson had previously mentioned that Michael was a teenager with his own ideas. He wasn't resistant to trends and wouldn't deliberately choose something alternative just to be different. However, his choices were always thoughtful, never blind.

So, Anson thought, perhaps Michael would opt for a garage rock style, especially punk, as it could showcase his love for 1960s culture while also highlighting his keen awareness of contemporary trends.

Of course, another reason was Disney—

*The Princess Diaries* was a Disney production, and to cater to the market, it would undoubtedly aim for a family-friendly rating. This meant they wouldn't allow the band performances in the movie to be too explicit, angry, or sharp.

Otherwise, all of Anson's efforts would go to waste.

In fact, the punk revival of the 1990s lacked the anger and aggression of the past. Bands like Green Day and My Chemical Romance often had upbeat and positive vibes, producing many romantic songs with a strong sense of youth.

This was perfect.

After all, Michael's band performance not only needed to showcase his charisma and flesh out his character but also subtly reveal his feelings for Mia, enriching the plot.

In that moment, the entire concept became more three-dimensional.

Slowly, the bus came to a stop.

Anson snapped out of his thoughts and realized they had arrived at their destination. Looking ahead, he saw the actors and crew members gradually preparing to disembark; the lively, chattering scene was like a school field trip, with the entire crew in high spirits.

Could this be a benefit of having no big-name stars in the cast, with everyone being young newcomers?

But what would happen once Julie Andrews joined the crew?

Anson wasn't in a rush. He waited until most people had left the bus before getting off at his own pace.

Just as he was about to leave the bus, he saw Anne Hathaway walk by with a drink in hand. Anson was about to make a quick joke when, unexpectedly, Anne spoke first.

"Thank you, Anson!"

Anson: ???

He was unsure, "You're welcome?"

He was full of questions.

But before Anson could say anything, Anne had already turned and dashed into the hotel lobby, her joy evident even from behind, leaving Anson even more puzzled.

Next, Anson saw a lighting technician walking over from the direction Anne had come from, also holding a drink that looked like it came from the same place.

Anson took the initiative, "What's up with Anne?"

But to his surprise, the lighting technician didn't answer, instead flashing a big smile and raising his disposable cup high. "Thanks, Anson!"

Anson: ?

Could someone explain what was going on? Even if they were thanking him, at least let him know what he did. Was this a case of someone else's good deed being mistakenly credited to him?

Such good fortune?